www.sundaycircle.com
OCTOBER 2014 – ISSUE NO. 238
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
WHAT HAS HOLLYWOOD DONE FOR US?
Is Malta fit for its elderly population?
Are foreign film productions worth the hassle?
page 22
page 67
IRON LADY Meet Malta’s Triathlete of the Year
page 74
TONI ATTARD Theatre director and creative economy expert Toni Attard, the mind behind some of the most striking theatrical performances of recent years, lets us into his world page 16
AG IES B ND OOD A H G R EL E N GN HA ge 49 I S C a DE ITH see p A W IN ED W CK PA
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. contents . ARTS
FASHION
Toni Attard lives and breathes culture. Philip LeoneGanado catches up with the mind behind some of the most striking theatrical performances of recent years
Days before embarking on a modelling contract with one of Milan’s top agencies, model Andrei Scerri tells Philip Leone-Ganado why success takes more than a pretty face
16 THE THEATRE MAKER 51 MADE IN GOZO
Philip Leone-Ganado meets the creatives behind Naupaca Dance factory, and discovers what’s on the cutting edge of the sister island’s art scene
81 INTO THE DREAM MACHINE
Plato’s Dream Machine have gone from being a folk act to one of Malta’s most exciting alternative bands. Mark Debono peeks into the inner workings of the ensemble
FEATURES
22 NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
Is Malta fit for its increasing elderly population? David Schembri takes a broad look at how Malta’s senior citizens fit into the fabric of society, and at how our approach to old age can be rethought
39 CAN WE TRUST THE CLOUD?
Following the recent theft of intimate pictures from the phones of celebrities, David Schembri looks up and asks whether the cloud can be trusted with our data
45 STUCK ON YOU
Anna Marie Galea looks into why people find it so hard to move on after the end of a relationship
59 APOCALYPSE MAYBE
Malta has been struck by storms and shaken by earthquakes in the past. Philip Leone-Ganado asks: what if it happens again?
WHAT HAS HOLLYWOOD EVER 67 DONE FOR US? Foreign film productions sometimes get a bad rep for causing inconvenience to locals. David Schembri asks: is it really worth the hassle?
32 MILAN CALLING SPORTS
74 IRON LADY
Reigning triathlete of the year Michelle Vella-Wood tells David Schembri there is no such thing as superwoman
LIFESTYLE
87 POST-SUMMER BITES
Chef Carl Zahra shows us what can be done with ingredients available in the month of October
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93 VALUABLE EFFORTS
When trying to add value to a property, there are basics to be followed and things to be avoided, architect Stephanie Cassar tells David Schembri
97 BUYING A BOAT
Ahead of this year’s Valletta Boat show, Matthew Farrugia gives David Schembri some pointers on how to go about buying a boat
HEALTH
107 GOODBYE TO DENTURES
Dr Jean Paul Demajo explains how to shift from removable dentures to fixed implanted teeth
REGULARS
7 A WORD FROM THE EDITOR . 10 C BODY 12 C FASHION&BEAUTY . 14 C STYLE 103 PAPARAZZI ROYAL EDITION 105 PAPAPRAZZI
81 COMPETITION
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SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: Philip Leone-Ganado, the editor, Sunday Circle, Network Publications Ltd, Level 12, A3 Tower, Triq l-Arkata, Paola, or email: philip@networkpublications.com.mt. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and where space is limited. For advertising enquiries email: renee@networkpublications.com.mt or call: 2131 6326/7/8. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole, or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed in the Sunday Circle are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. All reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and accuracy, but the editor and publishers cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome, but cannot be
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A WORD FROM
the editor
I’ve been hearing a lot recently about supporting local talent, but if I’m honest, I’ve always had a problem with the concept. Should we really be investing our time and money into art on the basis that it’s ‘local’? Surely ‘talent’ is the only thing people care about, when it comes down to it. In this edition, we’re privileged to meet a number of artists to whom the term local has no meaning whatsoever, artists hell-bent on making great art that acknowledges their roots without remaining bound to them. On our cover is all-round culture man Toni Attard, putting his plays on the international festival circuit while making Malta an unmissable stop on that circuit. There’s also Naupaca Dance Factory, the Gozitan dance troupe with some of the most ambitious shows we’ve seen in a while; or Plato’s Dream Machine, as they take their eclectic sounds to their first London gig. Away from the arts scene, there’s a number of meaty topics on our mind: Is Malta a fit place for its elderly population? Are we benefitting enough from foreign film productions? Could Malta be struck by natural disaster? This and more inside. Thanks for reading.
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ON THE COVER
John Formosa
NETWORK PUBLICATIONS LTD
PUBLICATION & SALES MANAGER Renée Micallef Decesare
EDITORIAL Philip Leone-Ganado www.sundaycircle.com
OCTOBER 2014 – ISSUE NO. 238
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
WHAT HAS HOLLYWOOD DONE FOR US?
Is Malta fit for its elderly population?
Are foreign film productions worth the hassle?
page 22
page 67
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page 74
CONTRIBUTORS
TONI ATTARD Theatre director and creative economy expert Toni Attard, the mind behind some of the most striking theatrical performances of recent years, lets us into his world page 16
COVER PERSONALITY Toni Attard
G BA IES ND OD HA GO R EL NE AN 49 SIG CH age DE H e p A WIT se IN D W CKE PA
ART & DESIGN Sarah Scicluna ART DIRECTOR
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Sunday Circle | October 2014
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Sunday Circle | October 2014
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Sunday Circle | October 2014
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firenze
COVER STORY
The
Theatre Maker FROM THE BOARDROOM TO THE REHEARSAL ROOM, TONI ATTARD LIVES AND BREATHES CULTURE. PHILIP LEONE-GANADO CATCHES UP WITH THE MIND BEHIND SOME OF THE MOST STRIKING THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES OF RECENT YEARS Photography Jacob Sammut
W
hen I ask Toni Attard what makes a good theatre director, I am almost immediately made to regret my question. “Oh God, I don’t know,” he groans. “All I can say is what gives me a kick: as a director, what I love is the active, collaborative process. I enjoy working with a team – working with an actor is as important as working with the set designer and with the lighting designer – and bringing that collective vision together. I need to be creative, constantly, but I can’t paint or play an instrument, so I need to bring other people along to explore with me.” Toni is what you might call an all-round culture man. By day, he is the Creative Economy Adviser at the Ministry of Finance, as well as the Festival Director for the hugely successful Żigużajg International Arts Festival for Children and Young People, which is back next month for its fourth edition. But he is also out on the front lines himself, so to speak: one of Malta’s most exciting names in theatre direction – hence, I protest, my opening question – he has recently returned from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he directed Tender Napalm by Philip Ridley, one of the most acclaimed local productions of recent years. When I catch up with him, he is midway through rehearsal for his latest production: True Love Lies, by the provocative Canadian playwright Brad Fraser. The play deals with an outwardly-perfect nuclear family suddenly confronted by the reappearance of the father’s former gay lover. In a year that has seen the introduction of civil unions, and the dissection of gay relationships of all stripes in Simon Bartolo’s Jiena Nħobb, Inti Tħobb, it all feels pretty zeitgeisty. “In terms of its relevance to our daily lives, it’s about the perfect image of the nuclear image, and how true or not that still is,” Toni explains. “After divorce was introduced, everyone was talking about the destruction of the family – but families are still as alive and healthy and in love as they were before. They just have the right to be more truthful towards their love.”
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Sunday Circle | October 2014
COVER STORY
October 2014 | Sunday Circle 17
COVER STORY
Thematically, what captures his imagination with this play is the idea of how much we lie about our past, and how open we are, and the consequences of both. “I was particularly curious – in Malta, where now we have quite an open society – if somebody in a family is hiding something from their past, how do they deal with that? How do you deal with a father who in the past had a boyfriend, at a time when it was difficult to acknowledge a gay relationship? In the past you were expected to hide it, but today lying about that sort of thing is frowned upon...” Stylistically, though, it represents a slight departure for Toni: while True Love Lies has a relatively linear narrative structure, he is typically more comfortable with slightly more experimental work. Tender Napalm built itself on an electrifying physical performance that verged on contemporary dance; his 2011 staging of The Bacchae was a large and complex mythological epic, with movement, song, and rich iconography. “There’s always an image, which keeps on evolving during the rehearsal process,” says Toni of the inspirations behind his work. “I use references all the time: they’re everywhere. I’ve used paintings or sculptures to ask actors to experiment with. I’ve used stories,
documentaries or films as cross-references. Some you use for the design, some to inspire the rehearsal process, others for character development. You throw away a lot of stuff, but that’s part of the creative process. It’s like creating a sauce, then you reduce, reduce, reduce.” A lot of this approach has its roots in Toni’s background with Aleateia, one of the legendary collectives of recent Maltese theatre history (now based in Brussels), where the focus was on devising original, distinctive work within the context of an enduring group of actors and writers. “Aleateia projects were always different. At times we’d do non-verbal work, at times we’d have a script, sometimes we’d have a script based on what we improvised. And that sense of playing and being flexible, has stuck with me. Ultimately theatre has no boundaries, no limitations on what you do and how you do it. So that has influenced how I create work, and what sort of projects excite me.” He makes no secret of what those are. His current tastes, he says, are shifting towards dance and non-verbal work, which he couples with a general excitement towards devised work and new writing.
“Ultimately theatre has no boundaries, no limitations on what you do and how you do it”
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Sunday Circle | October 2014
COVER STORY
“We need to get more new work written. As a festival director, I find it very difficult to find playwrights. Every year we publish a new play for youths, and I find myself knocking on the doors of the same few people.” Part of his interest here has a lot to do with his work on the creative economy: one of the things Toni is focused on at the moment is exporting Maltese work to international festivals and theatres, and he is clear that, in this regard, the trend for simply staging local versions of foreign texts is not going to cut it. “I don’t think anyone out there is interested in seeing us rework English texts, unless we’re using that as the basis for something new,” he says. “But I think a good Maltese piece – possibly interdisciplinary more than just text-based – could do very well. I think people are interested not only in the sound the Maltese language, but in its context and how it’s used. I see plays in German, and I don’t understand German, but I still find it engaging.” As our conversation starts to shift between Toni’s directing work and his day job, I ask whether he ever feels a conflict between the two: raw creativity on the one hand, and policy on the other. “I’m quite comfortable wearing different hats,” he replies. “There are moments when I realise that directing is what really keeps my happy: this is my little world, I’m concerned with how to make this two-hour result a great process for the small team. And it’s a very comfortable bubble, whereas the bigger picture can be very bureaucratic and cumbersome. The speed of the machines is very different: producing a show in two months versus getting a strategy implemented. “But they complement each other. In my day job, I know what it means to rehearse in a kitchen as opposed to a proper studio, and that pisses me off. I know what it means when a project is stopped because it has no funding, and that helps me to fight for it even more. As much as when I’m rehearsing, I’m aware that having an audience is important, that paying people for their work is important.” Being caught in the demi-monde between bureaucracy and art has its own challenges. “It can be quite lonely at times. The language you use with politicians and economists is very different to the language you use with artists. You can’t come across as artsy-farty in any way; you have to be rational,
“When you see other sectors lobbying together, you realise they mean business. Do artists mean business?” 20
Sunday Circle | October 2014
strategically-minded. Then you’re having conversations with artists, and you can’t use that same language. “Sometimes I feel that artists are their own worst enemy. The way they passionately talk about themselves and their work doesn’t create a collaborative spirit in the sector. There is no cohesion. Other sectors go and lobby together. Artists are individuals, and when you’re an individual, you make no impact at changing things. You might get funds for yourself, but that’s about it. When you see other sectors lobbying together, you realise they mean business. Do artists mean business?” As for Toni himself, what comes next? “There’s the shopping list, of course,” he laughs: an Aleateia reunion project, an international collaboration, a site-specific epic theatre piece, a big cheesy musical. But more than anything, he says, he wants to take bigger risks. “I think I’d like my next piece to start with no text whatsoever, but with the creatives all there from the beginning. My current play is something which someone else had in mind, and I’m just making sense out of it. I’d like to be in a position where I’m creating a piece where everyone is at the kicking-off point together, bringing in our own experiences and experimenting together.” Unifaun Theatre’s production of True Love Lies takes place on October 18-19, 23-26, 30-31 , and November 1-2 at St James Cavalier in Valletta. For more information visit www.sjcav.org
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SOCIETY
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN? IS MALTA FIT FOR ITS INCREASING ELDERLY POPULATION? DAVID SCHEMBRI TAKES A BROAD LOOK AT HOW MALTA’S SENIOR CITIZENS FIT INTO THE FABRIC OF SOCIETY, AND LOOKS AT WAYS IN WHICH OUR APPROACH TO THE ELDERLY CAN BE RETHOUGHT Photography Tümer Genctürk
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Sunday Circle | October 2014
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I
n 2012 there were 102,026 over 60s in Malta. By 2016, the traditional pyramidal distribution of the population may be replaced by three equal blocks, making policy and strategies for the elderly a pressing present concern. Because one of the features of elderly life is a decline in health, the provision of healthcare services is often on the top of elderly issues to be addressed. Justyne Caruana, Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, believes employees in her secretariat are doing sterling work, so much so that the government will meet three electoral pledges relating to elderly welfare this month, but concedes that “it is true that sometimes we face situations where the quality of care is less than expected”. A nurse at St Vincent de Paul, speaking anonymously, says that while in his unit almost everything is up to standard, other wards “are the opposite”, and are unlikely to change. “Some wards are too old, as is the staff working in them,” the nurse said. However, he has noted that the
management is more quick to take action, and customer care has improved too. He also believes that more nursing aides should be drafted in to carry out duties such as washing and diaper changing. But despite talking of standards, up until now there have been no official standards for care in elderly homes. Dr Marvin Formosa, coordinator of the Gerontology Unit in the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, believes that the government’s introduction of a consultation paper in order to introduce such standards is a much-needed step in the right direction. The government has also set up a Freephone which elderly residents of care homes and their families are using to relay their concerns, with the most common complaints of the calls – averaging 10 a day – being about the food, according to the parliamentary secretary. Another problem with care homes is the way they have been utilised; while now, the government is only buying high-dependency beds from the private sector, 15 years ago, Formosa recounts, only independent elderly people
October 2014 | Sunday Circle 23
SOCIETY
could join elderly homes in the community, because of a lack of medical services there. “This made absolutely no sense. Nowadays we’re suffering the consequences of that decision, because our homes are saturated.” That said, access and the provision of services, such as Telecare, the state-subsidised device that can connect elderly users to a range of services, including emergency services, is satisfactory. Along with declining health, another feature of old age is a decrease in income. Here, the topic of pensions raises its problematic head(s). The model we are currently employing, Formosa says, was designed to see pensioners through the last ten years of their life after retiring, not to sustain them and the medical expenses associated with chronic conditions. People over 59 have an at-risk-of-poverty rate of 15.1 per cent and an at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion rate of 21.7 per cent, and the issue is one of the main points the National Council for the Elderly has made in its Budget Proposals. The gerontologist points out that although the system does not reflect current realities, people come into pensions with unrealistic expectations. “The solution is to work further into middle age, between 45 and 65. We’re among the countries with the smallest workforce in that age range. You can’t have a good quality of life from the pension alone: you have to think ahead. If your pension is going to represent a drop in income, you have to enter old age with a certain amount of savings. The problem is that many women do not work, and many families do not enter old age with enough
money. Another thing which is a problem is that children keep living with their parents until they are quite old, and that is a drain on their finances,” Formosa says. The third, and often more intangible, feature of old age is a loss of “cultural capital”. This can take many forms, and it comes about through changes in culture to which a person might not yet have adapted – receiving a bank statement via email instead of through the post, for example. This is also down to the digital divide, which might become more pronounced as time goes by, unless more elderly people learn how to use computers to the full. “We have to go beyond digital literacy and into digital competence – which is the difference between looking up a website online and paying a bill online, or looking at your bank statement online.” Anthony Mulè Stagno, Secretary of the National Council for the elderly, is a long-time computer user, and he believes that one of the ways to address this is to have computer lessons specifically designed for the elderly, taking into account any special learning requirements they might have. One issue Mulè Stagno points out is the discrimination the elderly frequently encounter. “Sometimes, but not always, we feel excluded or discriminated. Just because someone is elderly, they cannot keep working. We feel this is discriminatory. Why should a 62-year-old be forced to retire if they can still contribute? Why, when you reach pensionable age, aren’t you given the choice whether to retire or not?”
“Why, when you reach pensionable age, aren’t you given the choice whether to retire or not?”
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SOCIETY
“What is preventing us from being able to live our full adult lives in our communities?” Last year, the Foundation for Active Ageing was set up, based on the UN’s Principles for Older People. “We as a society fail our seniors when we take a very myopic and narrow-minded view of ‘independent’ living. The concept, for most, brings to mind a senior jogging down the street, or one that remains active in the workplace,” says David Mamo, a geriatric psychiatrist and a member of the foundation. “However, we must not lose sight of the fact that many seniors do lose, to varying degrees, a number of such abilities.” Taking this into account, it is vital to respect the dignity and autonomy of persons; even in cases where this might be impaired, through the appointment of a substitute decision maker. “While nobody would dare admit to this, we as a society have come to see our seniors as a burden rather than a gift. Our response as a society, therefore, is to find ways and means to ensure our uninterrupted social and economic productivity by creating ‘facilities’ and ‘services’ to deal with this ‘problem’. Bluntly put, we create institutions.” He proposes to look at our homes and our communities: “What is preventing us from being able to live our full adult lives in our communities? We need to go ‘back’ in our social advances and acknowledge that we are on the wrong track. Our seniors, irrespective of their level of social and occupational function, belong in our communities - and here I mean our ‘real’ communities.” The call for the elderly to become more active in society and in their own affairs is one that is becoming louder. “The worst thing I see is that our social policy is built too much on what the government can do for you, on what the church can do for you, on what the community can do for you, but we haven’t yet started thinking in terms of what the elderly can contribute to themselves,” Formosa says. There are positive steps in that direction. In elderly care homes, representative committees made up by residents themselves have been set up, giving them more of a say in their own affairs. The nomenclature of the parliamentary secretariat also reflects the desired change in attitude towards the elderly. “It isn’t enough to give a tombla outing to an elderly person – you are not treating them as an active citizen there. Our welfare system is very top-bottom. It is about us seeing what they need and then catering to it. To be fair, in the past year there have been some changes, but to change a mentality and a system you need decades,” Formosa says. One problem with the elderly is that unlike other vulnerable groups – such as LGBTI individuals – their physical condition might not enable them to make the most of the tools given to them. 26
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The elderly, he says, “have much to teach us about life and respect, and what it is to be truly human and fully alive – yes, even when severely cognitively or physically impaired. It is in this state of loss that we as human beings question the value of life, ask what it means to be human and a person, and struggle with the most existential and fundamental questions”. Mamo believes that many of the services provided at nursing homes could, for most residents, be provided at home. “Yes they are costly, but then again, we need to ask ourselves as a society what our priorities are. We need to start planning them, and engaging in proper economic forecasts relating to our ageing society. However we tend – and again this is not a unique Maltese phenomenon but a global one – to address ageing issues in a knee-jerk, reactive approach. We at FXAM believe this needs to be more a more proactive, studied, and thoughtful exercise – we believe our seniors deserve no less.” This also extends to providing respite and support to struggling carers who often burn out – carers who are often seniors themselves. “It is fair to say we can, if we commit ourselves as a society towards dignity of our seniors – our own dignity, if we are fortunate enough to live to our old age – a commitment that will require resources, courage to do things differently, and thoughtfulness.”
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PROMOTION
FASHION FOCUS:
KAREN MILLEN WITH A NEW STORE OPENING THIS MONTH IN VALLETTA, INTERNATIONAL FASHION BRAND KAREN MILLEN IS BRINGING ITS DISTINCTIVE QUALITY AND DESIGNS TO MALTA FOR THE FIRST TIME
K
aren Millen is a London-based international fashion house with stores in over 65 countries across six continents, including flagship stores in New York’s Fifth Avenue and Brompton Road in London’s Knightsbridge and concessions in iconic retailers such as Selfridges, Bloomingdales and Galeries Lafayette. Established in England, the brand is known globally for creating beautifully crafted fashion for confident women who know their own style. SIGNATURE QUALITY What really sets Karen Millen apart from many other fashion brands is the fact that each piece of their collection is individually designed, handcrafted and perfected in their in-house atelier studio to deliver the brand’s signature quality and attention to detail. The limited-edition embroideries are crafted from up to 1.3 million embroidery stitches and can take up to 24 hours to create. Printed designs are meticulously hand cut so the pattern placement is just-so. From couture-inspired techniques to luxurious heritage fabrics, every Karen
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Millen garment has a story to tell. Housed in their Shoreditch headquarters in London’s East End, the atelier is where the team of talented designers work alongside pattern cutters, working to perfect each stage of the design process, which always starts with a sketch. Master cutters cut the first samples and a prototype design is made up in calico toile. The piece is then fitted on a mannequin up to four times to achieve the signature sculpted fit. The garment then continues on its journey to the factory before landing on the shop floor and into your wardrobe. From traditional loomwoven lace and jacquards from France to textured tweeds and leather from Italy, Karen Millen fabrics are sourced from Europe’s leading cloth mills. Prints are produced in Italy by a mill that works with the most coveted luxury fashion houses in the world. The design team regularly collaborate with these mills to create original fabrics that are exclusive to the brand to ensure you can wear a truly unique garment, and a covetable investment piece.
(Above) Lara wears Luxe Sweatshirt Statement Stripe Trouser Mid Heel Leather & Suede Point Boot Brogan wears Soft & Fluid Shirt Dress Stretch Leather Legging (Limited Edition) Peep Toe Shoe Boot (Limited Edition)
PROMOTION
Sophie Turner wears: Floral Print Oversized Coat The Redchurch Tote (Limited Edition) Indigo Vintage Wash Jeans
THE NEW SEASON COLLECTION The brand’s AW14 collection is a celebration of London’s distinctive style and creativity, an evocative snapshot of the energy and dynamism of the location surrounding their Shoreditch atelier. Shot against the London skyline, the campaign and its accompanying film – The Journey – features actress Sophie Turner from Game of Thrones alongside emerging British models Lara Mullen, Rosie Tapner and Brogan Loftus, all shot by Glen Luchford and styled by groundbreaking stylist Katy England. This season, the design team have created a perfectly curated capsule wardrobe showcasing clean lines and precision tailoring, power prints and urban basics. In line with the brand’s signature pared-back modern aesthetic, the collection empowers and inspires women to define and refine their unique personal style.
The Karen Millen woman has both style and substance: she’s memorable with a strong character. From off-duty weekend to statement dressing, luxe knitwear to directional dresses, each design has been carefully considered and crafted to fit into her existing wardrobe. The collection sets the tone for the next season with delicate lace, leather and fur and combines rich darks with bright colour pops. Key pieces include the shirt-dress, leather legging and the side-stripe masculine tailored trouser. Mix and match: pair delicate pleats with a laid-back military parka; an elegant A-line dress with boyish brogues. From pared-back totes to sleek shoe boots, the newseason accessories collection features a range of covetable investment and trend-led shoes and bags that are beautifully crafted in luxurious leathers and suedes.
Karen Millen is opening next week in Valletta, off Piazza San Gorg on Old Theatre Street. www.karenmillen.com • Facebook: www.facebook.com/karenmillen • Twitter: @KarenMillen • Instagram: @karen_millen October 2014 | Sunday Circle 31
FASHION
MILAN CALLING DAYS BEFORE EMBARKING ON A POTENTIALLY LIFE-CHANGING MODELLING CONTRACT WITH ONE OF THE LEADING AGENCIES IN MILAN, 20-YEAR OLD MODEL ANDREI SCERRI TELLS PHILIP LEONE-GANADO WHY SUCCESS TAKES MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE Photography Ryan Galea Clothes BHS
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s I chat with Andrei Scerri while our photographer sets up his equipment, the young model is soft-spoken, almost tentative. He hasn’t done many interviews, he says. But as soon as we get started, something shifts. As our photographer gives Andrei the simple instruction to walk from point to point, his bearing changes like a curtain rising: his gaze hardens, his shoulders pull back, his gait takes on a genuine swagger. He’s modelling. “This is where I relax,” he tells me later. “I’m always in a rush between this and that, so modelling actually lets me slow down and step into another world away from the usual madness.” Becoming a model was never on Andrei’s mind growing up. But three years ago, he was “discovered” by the TV producer Peter Carbonaro, who came across photos of Andrei – then 17 – on Facebook, and quickly introduced him to Carina Camilleri, owner of the top local modelling agency Models M. From there, his rise has been steady and swift: having established himself as one of the leading names in the local industry, this year Andrei earned himself a one-year contract with I Love Models Management, one of the leading modelling agencies in Milan. When we meet, Andrei is just a day away from making the move, and he makes no effort to mask his excitement. “It’s the biggest thing I’ve been involved in,” he says. “It’s a whole new world for me.” In Malta, Andrei has made his name in fashion shows and magazines – including the international publication KALTBLUT – but proving himself in a
FASHION
October 2014 | Sunday Circle 33
FASHION
bigger pond has always been his ultimate goal. “Carina has been sending photos of me abroad regularly,” he explains. “Recently we were contacted by some agencies in Milan who wanted to meet me in person. While we were there we went to a number of big agencies, and among others that showed interest, we settled on I Love Models. We never looked back from there.” That Andrei’s uncommonly good looks have been crucial can hardly be doubted, but what else goes into making a successful model? “The main skill is knowing how to interact with the camera and the photographer,” says Andrei. “I’ve worked with some great photographers, and they all have their own style, their artistic individualities – the first thing you have do is build a relationship, get in touch with how he works, how he shoots, the timing of his clicks, and work with that.”
“I need to keep up to date to be able to do my job, but I’m really not a fashion guru or anything like that” An ability to quickly understand the client, the brand, and the storyboard behind a particular shoot, he explains, is equally important. “If a brand wants to portray a cool identity, you’d opt for a look that gives them that. Every shoot requires its own particular feelings and artistic touches.” So does a passion for fashion come with the turf? “I need to keep up to date to be able to do my job, but I’m really not a fashion guru or anything like that. You don’t need to be some sort of stylist yourself to be a model, but you do need good personal style and a good attitude, and you need to be able to portray a good look whatever you’re wearing.”
FASHION
Far more important to Andrei’s daily life, he tells me, is fitness – apart from training five times a week, he has also been swimming competitively with Neptunes for the last three years. Perhaps that’s not too unsurprising given how important his physical condition is to his job, but on the other hand, it is striking that he is balancing all this with modeling, part-time work, and reading for a University degree in accounts and marketing. The need to juggle so many different things is a problem, of course, that all local models have to deal with. Still, Andrei believes the Maltese modeling scene is improving rapidly. “At the moment, there’s a lot of good-looking models around, and that improves the level. We’re far from being professional, but we’re moving in the right direction.” It is not, however, without its fits and starts. While recent years have seen an upsurge in the number of people aspiring to be models, Andrei believes that this represents something of a double-edged sword: he recognizes the value in increased competition and maintains that the market will
always separate the wheat from the chaff; but on the other hand, he worries that is propagating a mentality where models are expected to work for free, “which destroys the industry”. “You need to evaluate what you want from a model. Anyone can stand in front of a camera and pose, but working with passion, and putting genuine hard work into providing the best image possible is a very different thing. It’s a lifestyle: you need to keep fit, put time into looking sharp, you need to interact with a wide variety of people and make contacts.” That dedication to one’s craft is nowhere more evident than in Andrei’s own next move – which he admits is something of a risk. “Modelling isn’t the most secure business. But right now, I’m trying to balance the risk and the opportunity: I’m risking two months of study for hopefully some fantastic experience and perhaps opening doors for further opportunities. But I’m also focusing a lot on my studies: I do want to secure my future whatever happens. One of my philosophies at the moment is that I can only do this while I’m young, so why not enjoy it while I can?”
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tech
cAN WE TRUST THE CLOUD ? STRAIGHT AFTER THE STORM OF LEAKED CELEBRITY PICTURES, DAVID SCHEMBRI LOOKS UP TO THE CLOUD AND ASKS: CAN WE TRUST IT?
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he recent outpouring of intimate photos of female celebrities stolen from their phone cloud backups– with Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence being the main victim – has raised serious questions on how much we are trusting the cloud with our data.
across more than one device. Apart from backing up, these services also allow you to share files and folders with other people (the ever-popular WeTransfer service does just that), as well as allowing you to access your data from a simple web browser, wherever you are in the world.
Cloud computing is network-based computing whereby a wide range of services – ranging from processing huge amounts of data to web hosting – are done remotely over a network. While an increasing number of businesses are harnessing the power of the cloud – which can be more flexible and affordable than other systems – for a wide range of applications, the most frequent use of the cloud tends to be for backing up data, using services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, and Apple’s iCloud. The advantages are great – services such as these create an online version of your file, which is then also synchronised to other computers linked to that service, which means that your files are being updated
And this, as the case of the stolen photos, which the press termed “Celebgate” and enthusiastic netizens called “The Fappening”, is where one of the problems lie. The fact that somewhere over the web, using a user-friendly service that requires only an email and password, is data important enough you want backed up ready to be accessed, can be problematic. What is also more problematic is that if you do not pay enough attention to the settings on the device you’re using, you might be unwittingly allowing your cloud service to automatically back up documents – or images – which is not ideal if you want your photos to be for your eyes only.
000 Sunday Circle | October 2014
October 2014 | Sunday Circle 39
Tech
“Although technology is becoming increasingly smart, users have to make sure that they are not being dumb” In the case of the images stolen from these hapless celebrities, Apple has confirmed that “certain celebrity accounts were compromised by a very targeted attack on user names, passwords and security questions, a practice that has become all too common on the Internet”.
What could have been done to avoid this data leak? Although technology
The company denied the cases it investigated had resulted from any breach in any of Apple’s systems, “including iCloud or Find my iPhone”. However, a script found on GitHub, called ibrute, in a less-than-veiled reference to the devices it was targeted, employed brute force – employing a program that repeatedly tried to guess a password – to gain access into users’ iPhone accounts, and subsequently, their iCloud accounts. This program exploited Apple’s Find My iPhone service, “where brute force protection was not implemented,” the developer said. It tapped into a list of the top 500 RockYou passwords which had been leaked, and which still satisfied Apple ID password policy.
any automatic backup service – such as iCloud or Dropbox, both of
Among the top passwords that were leaked, gems such as Password1, Princess1, P@ssw0rd and Passw0rd were in the top positions. Although they satisfy the criteria of having at least a capital letter and a digit, the fact that they were effectively writing “password” made the password valid, but entirely predictable – the digital equivalent of locking your door and taping the key next to the lock. After the leak was published, Apple engineers were hard at work to close the loophole in its Find My iPhone service, and they managed. In the statement following the fact, the company urged its users “to always use a strong password and enable two-step verification,” to protect against the kind of attack that, fortunately for them, caused more embarrassment to the celebrities targeted, rather than the company that had a loophole in the first place. 000 40 Sunday Circle | October 2014
is becoming increasingly smart, users have to make sure that they are not being dumb in the way they use it. The first thing that you could do to prevent sensitive data being uploaded to the cloud is to turn off which offer to automatically back up your photos to the cloud once you take them – an option which you might have absent-mindedly selected when installing the app. If you still want to use the cloud – and there are plenty of reasons why you might want to do that – at the very least, use a strong password. Your name is not a good password. Neither is “password”. The best passwords are combinations of upper and lower case letters, digits and symbols, ideally arranged in a random order. If you have trouble coming up with one yourself, there are random password generators online which take out the trouble of doing that. Another key thing is to use different passwords for different accounts – if somehow, a hacker manages to obtain the password you use for everything from your computer to your email, then it’s just a question of whether they know what account names you use. There are also other, more secure options – some cloud services such as Wuala and Tresorit offer encryption as standard, while Dropbox users can avail themselves of encryption software to make their files online more secure. As ever however, flesh is often the weakest link, and if the chances for human error are minimised, the cloud needn’t be dark and foreboding.
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RELATIONSHIPS RIGHT
Stuck on You WE’VE HEARD SONGS ABOUT IT, READ BOOKS ABOUT IT, WATCHED FILMS ABOUT IT – WHY DO WE FIND IT SO HARD TO MOVE ON AFTER A RELATIONSHIP? Words Anna Marie Galea
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reakups and breakdowns have become a million dollar baby, with helpful advice churned out at the rate the average woman consumes tissues and icecream after a particularly rough ride. Yet many of us still wrestle with the concept of moving on after the breakdown of a relationship even if it was glaringly obvious to our friends, family, and the kitchen sink that the relationship had been derailed, defunct and destroyed for some time if not from the very beginning.
“Moving on implies that something has ended, or lost its meaning and is no longer the same”
So why is it so hard to move on, I asked psychotherapist Angele Licari? “Moving on implies that something has ended, or lost its meaning and is no longer the same. Many times, relationships come to an impasse which make it feel like it’s over; however, termination should not be taken for granted. Sometimes, this impasse might be a signal that one has changed – grown and so on – thus, readjustment to something new or deeper will obviously need working at in order to be able to 76
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reach another level or a new spark, more understanding, or even more passion. I wish more couples would understand that there can also be a ‘moving on’ within the same relationship; relationship therapy might be of some help here. “However, when both partners in the relationship decide that nothing more can ignite their spark, then they may decide to move on. This is not easy especially if one of the partners has not come to terms with separating and can cause confusion, rejection, anger, and many other feelings related to loss. Sometimes one can’t let go for many reasons even if one recognizes that the relationship has been abusive, unhealthy or shaming, and this may lead to one clinging on for dear life. Maybe all these damaging aspects were already present in their family of origin, in their upbringing, and therefore they are so familiar that one does not see that there could be a better way of living and loving.” October 2014 | Sunday Circle 45
RELATIONSHIPS
“Many move on too quickly with a shrug and an ‘Oh well it’s over. It just didn’t work’, but that can leave much unfinished business” Indeed, it is not only the failure to move on which cripples many people, but rather their inability to move out of the vicious cycle which has contributed to their past mistakes and which often influences their future choices; unfortunately, many people repeat the same pattern over and over again which inevitably leads to the same result. One can only break the failure chain by believing that he deserves better than that which he has previously accepted: “One needs to reflect on inner insight to say ‘I don’t deserve this’ and this helps one seek greener pastures. This depends on whether one has enough self-esteem to recognize that he or she deserves to be in a better place in life to be able to move on.” Of course getting the love we deserve rather than simply accepting the scraps of affection thrown to us is a process which takes a considerable amount of time and energy, as one needs to analyse why he continuously chooses to be with a particular person when that person is obviously not good for him or is simply unable or unwilling to fit in to his life in any tangible and permanent way: “Many move on too quickly with a shrug and an ‘Oh well it’s over. It just didn’t work’, but that can leave much unfinished business which could resurface in the next relationship. The next stage, which could take years 46
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for some, is to look back and ask existential questions such as: ‘What really went wrong?’, ‘How did I, and how did my partner, contribute towards the decline of Us’, ‘What can I learn from this experience?’ The understanding of these questions, even if some questions do not produce answers, can contribute towards a more constructive moving on.” In our bid to bypass pain, many of us either blame ourselves completely and project our own insecurities onto the carcass of the relationship, or blame the other person unilaterally and refuse to examine their own part in the untimely demise. That said, asking the right questions still does not guarantee an easy ride, as not only may we discover things about ourselves that we do not like, but we may have to accept that closure does not always come gift wrapped with a lovely bow and it is something that may have to be pursued alone: “In the long run, we should find hope and some sort of reprieve in accepting the fact that this was a path of life that belongs to my history for an unknown reason, and that we cannot turn the clock back. This hopefully can lead us to a place of no more anger, bitterness, or resentment where we can carry our pains and hurts with a sense of humble gratitude.”
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October 2014 | Sunday Circle 49
DANCE
MADE INGOZO PHILIP LEONE-GANADO MEETS THE CREATIVES BEHIND NAUPACA DANCE FACTORY, AND DISCOVERS WHAT’S ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF THE SISTER ISLAND’S ART SCENE Photography George Saguna
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alk to anyone involved in the Maltese arts scene for more than a few minutes, and the conversation is bound to turn to the frustrating limitations of operating on an island of this size. How much more frustrating, then, to work on an island a fraction of the size? Or not. “I honestly think that it is less challenging to hail from Gozo than from Malta,” says Joeline Tabone.
October 2014 | Sunday Circle 51
DANCE
“There is more freedom of thought in Gozo, because the latter is less systematic, on both an educational and artistic level”
Luke Azzopardi & Joeline Tabone
“I have observed – and I might be completely wrong about this – that working within the Maltese community is more limiting than working in Gozo. There is more freedom of thought in Gozo, because the latter is less systematic, on both an educational and artistic level. I feel that in Malta, things are more rushed and stressful. Us Gozitans live a more relaxed way of life, and that gives us more time to be ourselves, to get in touch with what makes us happy.” Joeline is the founder of Naupaca Dance Factory, a contemporary dance company based in Gozo. If you’ve ever doubted whether Gozo had much of an art scene at all, then Naupaca are a sharp refutation: if you’re on this side of the channel you may remember them from The Death of Snow White (2012), but the company have been around for ten years, quietly – and then not so quietly – making a name for themselves with their stylish, expansive original productions, everything from a dark retelling of Alice in Wonderland to a promenade performance in a Victoria townhouse. Growing up in Xewkija at a time when there were no dance lessons whatsoever available in Gozo, Joeline’s first exposure to the arts was actually through the village parish priest, Mons Carmelo Mercieca. “He was extremely ambitious, and used to stage operettas in the village centre,” she recalls. “I used to take part and my love for theatre started there. He used to encourage me to sing and act on stage, but I always wanted to dance. In the end, we always reached a compromise – I would sing and act, as long as he would let me dance.” 52
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It wasn’t until Joeline was 22 that she started formal dance training – first at YADA in Malta, and later at Alison White Dance Studio back in Gozo – but once she had begun, the birth of Naupaca came about with remarkable celerity just three years later. “I met with many people who couldn’t really understand the way I looked at life and what I wanted to do. So I decided I needed to create a space for myself, a kind of bubble of my own, in which I wouldn’t have to do what I was expected to do,” she smiles. Ten years on, what sets Naupaca apart – especially for such a young company – is the sheer scale and ambition of their work: with a wide range of collaborating artists chipping in with original music, visually distinctive sets and costumes, not to mention international dancers alongside company stalwarts like Deborah Agius, who also doubles as production manager for most of their shows. “What I like about the company is that it is open to interdisciplinary experimentation,” says Luke Azzopardi, who joined Naupaca as production designer three years ago. “In Divina, especially, I am not bound to a set of aesthetic rules and I am not limited to a specific role.” Divina, then, the company’s new project, is a contemporary adaptation of Dante’s Divine Comedy. “In Paradiso, Dante explores the theme of self-exploration, and comes to the conclusion that there is goodness in us all, and that, if we look into the depths of ourselves, we would be able to manifest this goodness in our own personal way,” Joeline explains.
DANCE
“When I do a project, I am so self-absorbed that I don’t usually know what’s happening around me”
“We wanted to explore this in the most effective way possible. We wanted to re-imagine Dante living in 2014 – to depict the idea of artistic freedom and genius and the search for beauty and perfection within contemporary societies.” The look of the show is once again in the hands of Luke, who this time is collaborating with a costume designer and a set designer. “Throughout my personal projects, I find myself touching upon specific themes that are relevant to myself and to the rest of the art world. I view my designs as a sort of social and cultural commentary,” he says of his approach. “I believe that there is an element of power politics in everything that I do, but it’s mostly aesthetical and explored through beauty. For Divina I was mainly interested in the interplay between outward decadence and internal states of mind. I also tried updating the Renaissance look of the performance while preserving the sense of wonder contained within the poem.” 54
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With three distinct sections representing the three sections of Dante’s journey – and distinct styles of dance, music and visuals for each – not to mention the inclusion of original poetry lending the show an unusual textual dimension, Divina represents something bigger and bolder even for Joeline. But she is far from daunted. “I like jumping into the deep-end instinctively,” she says. “When I do a project, I am so self-absorbed that I don’t usually know what’s happening around me, so I really and truly have no time to make comparisons.” More than that, her sights are set much further afield. “The thing I wish the most is to establish contacts with other companies around the world, so that I would be able take our work beyond our shores,” she smiles. Divina – held under the auspices of the President of Malta in aid of The Community Chest Fund – is at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta on October 18 and at the Aurora Theatre Opera House in Gozo on October 24. For tickets, visit: www.mcc.com.mt or www.teatruaurora.com
PROMOTION
ECLECTIC
EXCLUSIVITY WE VISIT ARMANI JEANS FOR A LOOK AT THE NEW AUTUMN/WINTER COLLECTION FROM ONE OF ITALY’S CHICEST FASHION HOUSES
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aunched in 1981, Armani Jeans has fast earned a reputation in its own right: moving away from the main brand’s monochrome aesthetic, and offering a more casual, youthful elegance that is sexy, relaxed, and fashionable. After all, this is the brand of which Giorgio Armani himself says: “With Armani Jeans I am always thinking about young people with an independent spirit.” With the launch of the new Armani Jeans Autumn/Winter 2014 collection, we ventured down to the Armani Jeans store at Baystreet to meet Retail Manager Zvetlana Galea and Brand Supervisor Rickie Lee Azzopardi. The Baystreet location is actually one of two Armani Jeans outlets, with the other set in the equally fashionable environment of The Point, Sliema. “We stock different colours and different materials in each location,” Zvetlana explains. “From a line of accessories, some items will be exclusively available at Baystreet, and others at The Point, 56
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giving clients a unique experience wherever they shop – and if they don’t find what they’re looking for in one, they’re sure to find it in the other.” The Autumn/Winter 2014 collection expresses the youthful spirit on which Armani Jeans is built, showcasing a rock’n’roll inspiration underpinned by chic Italian glamour. Denim, of course, remains at the core of the Armani Jeans collection. Rickie singles out the J28 women’s model for particular mention: featuring a mid-rise waist, skinny fit, and super skinny leg, and rendered in stretch denim that that truly contours to your silhouette without losing its shape. For men, meanwhile, there is the J23, a low-waist, skinny fit option. Dark, plain washes are popular at the moment, and all the jeans are accented with subtle Armani branding in the form of the signature eagle on the back pocket, below the label in contrasting leather. For men, denim also finds expression in a wide range of shirts, with a variety of dark and light washes, along with prints, and stylish
PROMOTION
mixes of contrasting washes. Polka dot shirts are still in, the formula excitingly shaken up with the addition, for example, of eagle prints, while classic shirts in plain or pinstripe are certainly not lacking either. Jackets are a big part of the collection: the men’s range focusing on down feather jackets, as well as a significant amount of options in leather. In the women’s range, some of the leather jackets feature printing, which gives the items a premium, embossed feel. As always with Armani jeans, quality and elegance are a given: “Apart from the premium materials, the fit and cut are all tailor-made,” Zvetlana reminds, lending a fitted, figure-hugging edge to even the more quilted models in the range. In the broader women’s collection, leopard and animal print predominate, but there is also a sporty edge to the collection, with trainers, jogging pants, and hoodies. Exciting combinations are the order of the day here: trainers may come with a heel, a sporty look that still feels smart, while blazers and leather jackets mix with sporty trousers. Men are also switching to the sport-inspired look, and Armani Jeans obliges with a range of tracksuit trousers, matching zip-ups, and more.
There are rich winter colours across the women’s accessories collection, with green, burgundy and maroon sitting alongside the classic browns and blacks, while leather makes another appearance as part of a premium line of bags. Whatever the item, Armani Jeans has you covered with a whole range of matching accessories: for men that might be a matching scarf, bag or belt; for women, it might mean matching something from the family of bags with the perfect heels or trainers. The concept reaches right across the collection: given the abundance of leopard print in the women’s clothing range, for example, many jackets and dresses come with a similar pattern on the inside lining, ensuring perfect coordination even if you decide to roll your sleeves. Rickie sums up the company’s ethos perfectly: “With Armani it’s all about attention to detail.” To see the full collection, visit Armani Jeans The Point, Tigné, Sliema | Tel: 2060 1193 | Mon-Sat 9.30am – 7.30pm Baystreet, St Julians | Tel: 2060 1263 | Mon-Sun 10am – 10pm October 2014 | Sunday Circle 57
SCIENCE
APOCALYPSE MAYBE MALTA HAS BEEN STRUCK BY EARTHQUAKES AND TSUNAMIS IN THE PAST; WE’VE HAD NARROW MISSES WITH MASSIVE STORMS. COULD IT HAPPEN AGAIN? AND HOW ARE WE PREPARING FOR THE POSSIBILITY? Words Philip Leone-Ganado
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s headlines go, it doesn’t get much more dramatic. Scientists at the University of Portsmouth, working in collaboration with the University of Malta’s Geography Department, found evidence that a massive tsunami some time in the past had ravaged Malta’s north-east coast as far as 20 metres above sea-level, reaching onshore speeds of 20 miles an hour, carrying 70-tonne boulders like driftwood. “What all these measurements point to is that an enormous assailing force was responsible,” said lead researcher Dr Malcolm Bray. “Our calculations show the tsunami wave would probably have been at least four metres high in some places and substantially more powerful than the biggest storm waves on the islands."
Could it happen again? The worst havoc nature has wreaked in Malta in recent years is localised flooding and storm damage, but could Malta ever experience the sort of natural disasters earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes - that we are more accustomed to witnessing on television thousands of miles from home? On the face of it, it’s not likely. According to the United Nations World Risk Report, Malta is the second safest country on earth in terms of its exposure to natural disasters - only Qatar is safer. With low exposure to earthquakes, flooding, or rising sea levels, and with an infrastructure developed enough, relatively speaking, to tackle freak phenomena, your chance of becoming a victim of a natural October 2014 | Sunday Circle 59
SCIENCE
disaster in Malta is 0.72 per cent. By comparison, if you live in the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, your odds are a quite horrific 32 per cent. But all that is not to say it couldn’t happen. “The Mediterranean region has a long history of earthquakes that have caused widespread damage, affecting Malta too,” says seismologist Dr Matthew Agius. “A strong earthquake in south-eastern Sicily in 1693 caused devastation in Sicily and also produced damage in many buildings in Malta, particularly Mdina. Such earthquakes tend to have periodic occurrences and therefore such an event is highly likely to occur again, although the exact interval cannot be predicted. Until today there is no documentation indicating that anyone living on Malta has ever died of an earthquake, however, the rapid urbanisation on the island is likely to result in a higher loss or damage should a similar earthquake recur.” Earthquakes are a surprisingly common occurrence, even in our geographical neighbourhood. Last year, the Seismic Monitoring and Research Unit at the University of Malta recorded over 30 earthquakes within 200 kilometres in Malta, although only two of those were actually felt on the islands. Large earthquakes are also far more infrequent than smaller ones: only one earthquake over a magnitude of 8 may be expected in a year, as opposed to 13,000 of magnitude 3-4. Still, place a large earthquake - 7 or above - beneath the sea, and the conditions are ripe for a dreaded tsunami. “Tsunami do take place in the Mediterranean and are likely to originate from Algeria, Greece, Cyprus or Italy,” says Dr Agius. “The most recent, large-scale (12-metre high) tsunami originated in Messina, Sicily, in 1908 following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake. Over 70,000 people lost their lives. A small wave also reached Malta resulting in flooding of low-lying places such as Msida and Marsaxlokk. Such events could occur again and might pose a hazard for highly developed coastal areas.” Were that to happen, the result could be quite unpredictable. “Malta is a very small island nation with limited resources on various counts. For example, Malta has only one major hospital and airport. The rapid increase of urbanisation on the islands raises the question of whether all structures are able to withstand strong earthquake shaking and therefore the worst case scenario is widespread damage, or even collapse of buildings, probably coupled with a larger-scale destruction in neighbouring countries. Very few countries are well prepared for such devastation. Japan, which is considered to be at the forefront in preparedness for such mega earthquakes, also suffered large-scale destruction. There are agreements for the Civil Protection Department to request international aid in such cases.”
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SCIENCE
Of course, an earthquake or tsunami is not the only natural phenomenon that we should be wary of. In September 1969, a Mediterranean tropical cyclone - or Medicane - formed just southeast of Malta. Severe flooding followed as Malta was inundated in 123 millimetres of rainfall, and a 20,000-ton tanker was driven onto a reef just off the coast and split in two. Elsewhere, as the storm turned towards Africa, 600 people were killed in Tunisia and Algeria, and some 250,000 left homeless. As uncharacteristically strong as the storm was, Medicanes have also formed in 1995, 1996, 2006 and 2011, with windspeeds surpassing 144 kilometres per hour.
health responses are but a few of the activities that would need to be conversant with each other for successful outcomes.”
“Storm surges, sustained rain, flash floods, fire and extreme winds would render the islands inoperable for hours on end,” says Dr Saviour Formosa, senior lecturer at the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, envisioning a scenario where such a storm actually hits the islands. “The potential requirements for saving people in danger, reinforcing weak infrastructure, locating lost persons, detouring traffic, distributing supplies, directing civil protection, utilities and
Although the chances of such a disaster may be small, Dr Formosa feels they are too present not to make contingencies for. “Unlikely environmental disasters as likely ones can never be eliminated from the potential list of societal-changing occurrences that we have to prepare for,” he says. “The primary priority remains the access to data and the integration of information services that allows for the availability of real-time information for
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“Storm surges, sustained rain, flash floods, fire and extreme winds would render the islands inoperable for hours on end”
tactical and implementation operations during the crisis period.” Since 2006, Dr Formosa has been coordinating a €4.4 million ERDF project to introduce a unique map of the Maltese islands. The map integrates height data, underwater depths, building heights, geographical features, and population studies, among more, allowing 3D simulations of any disaster scenario the Maltese islands might face. “The ERDF work focused on laying the groundwork for terrestrial and bathymetric baseline data, analytical and dissemination systems as well as innovative scenario building. The next steps will create systems that integrate information into a cohesive whole, enable response teams to act immediately, operate autonomous or directed systems for effective and efficient outcomes as well as prepare beforehand for any eventuality. “Thinking outside the box is but the first step in an exciting world that plays these scenarios before they actually happen, thus ensuring preparedness and the identification of lacunae.”
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PROMOTION
HAILING FROM ICELAND, THE LAND OF ICE AND FIRE, SIF JAKOBS IS THE WOMAN BEHIND THE JEWELLERY BRAND CURRENTLY TAKING EUROPE BY STORM
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aving mastered the delicate craft of being a goldsmith earlier in her career while living in Sweden, Sif Jakobs chose Copenhagen as her base in 2000. Yet she considers Italy her second home, a constant source of inspiration for her vibrant yet sophisticated collections, all of which are named after Italian cities – a nod to the elegant tradition of the country, her home away from home. Sif Jakobs Jewellery is becoming more recognisable every day, with connections spanning all over Europe including more than 40 stockists in the UK, a huge achievement for such a relatively young company. Jakobs is a rare individual in her particular industry – she is first and foremost an exceptionally skilled artisan who understands every aspect of each individual piece: from the precious metals and materials to the stones she uses liberally in her innovative creations. Her vast knowledge results in heady, surprising combinations which are appealing to a vast audience and can be worn in a variety of ways, for various occasions; dressed up or down, with timeless pieces which inject flair into any outfit without ever appearing gaudy or overly ostentatious – a fine line indeed! A visionary designer to boot, Sif Jakob’s manages to create jewellery that is minimal and uncluttered 64
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in design, hinting at times at the traditional, while still managing to be show-stoppingly gorgeous. Her attention to detail in proportion, colour and the construction of each individual piece throughout her collections make for exciting jewellery that spells glamour and individuality for the lucky wearer. The incredibly affordable, high quality, luxe pieces of the Sif Jakobs Jewellery Collections channel different moods: from cutting edge modern to seriously elegant; precious metals in brilliant colours including the coveted, bang on-trend rose gold plate, semi-precious stones in brilliant diamond hues, smokey browns and blacks, as well as quirky stone designs in innovative resin or leather settings. From sculptural lines to pavé stones in art deco-esque settings, a Sif Jakobs piece combines the finest quality traditional craftsmanship with the transformational power of timeless jewellery – jewellery that is as egalitarian as it is sumptuous, jewellery that can be enjoyed today, tomorrow and forever. Since its inception, the Sif Jakobs Jewellery brand has gone from strength to strength, regularly featured in acclaimed fashion and lifestyle media and fast becoming the European fashion pack’s jewellery of choice. Hailed as the ‘brand to watch’ during the jewellery industry’s two main annual exhibitions, Sif Jakobs
Jewellery has become the go-to brand for every occasion, from simple daytime elegance to eyecatching sumptuous pieces. With huge growth in its international fanbase, which shows no sign of abating, this summer Sif Jakobs set her sights on our island, soft launching a capsule collection exclusively at 202 Jewellers, a collection which was excellently received. Her love of Malta, especially her fascination with our capital city, Valletta, served as inspiration for the International Retail Launch of the Sif Jakobs Fall/Winter 2014 collection on October 3. Supported by the Valletta Local Council, the well-attended launch at 202 Jewellery in Strada Santa Lucia, Valletta showcased one of the most glamorous and luxurious jewellery collections on the European market today, marking another huge milestone both for the Sif Jakobs Jewellery brand as well as 202 Jewellery, the brand’s exclusive local retailers, while firmly placing our capital city on the European fashion map for the coming season. From the land of ice and fire to the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen…The new Sif Jakobs Jewellery collection is now exclusively available at The 202 Boutique at 202 Jewellery, Strada Santa Lucia, Valletta. Tel: 27202202 • Web: www.202jewellery.com
PROMOTION
October 2014 | Sunday Circle 65
FILM
WHAT HAS HOLLYWOOD EVER DONE FOR US?
FILM PRODUCTIONS SOMETIMES GET A BAD REP FOR CAUSING INCONVENIENCE TO LOCALS. DAVID SCHEMBRI ASKS: IS IT REALLY WORTH THE HASSLE? Photography courtesy of White Coral Productions
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n Malta, potential blockbusters or box-office flops often make a stir before the first frame hits the screen. Take Game of Thrones, for instance. Before the whole world was engrossed in this world of kings, dragons and full-frontal nudity, the TV series in Malta was a by-word for an environmental fiasco, which happened when loads of sand was left on the rocks in Dwejra, a Natura 2000 site. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s upcoming flick By The Sea has made headlines too, and not just because Hollywood’s hottest couple have finally
tied the knot and are in Gozo for the honeymoon/ shoot. Apart from the big deal of having two global A-listers living and working on this tiny speck in the Mediterranean, one of the reasons it made headlines was when the shoot scuppered the wedding plans of Maria Arpa, the daughter of Maltese émigrés who was due to have her ceremony at Mġarr ix-Xini, where the shoot is taking place. After her polite requests for a compromise reportedly fell on deaf ears, the couple’s plans had to make way for the plans of a far richer couple. October 2014 | Sunday Circle 67
FILM
Arpa and her partner were not alone in being affected by the bay’s closure. Brian Azzopardi, who runs Atlantis Diving Centre in Gozo has also been affected by the closure of Mġarr ix-Xini and Ta’ Ċenċ. “It is the most popular site for night dives; for example people who come year to year come for this dive site,” Azzopardi says. “I feel it could have been organised better. It’s the blanket ban that bothers us. We’ve met the film commissioner, and I was present for two meetings at the ministry of tourism. There wasn’t any communication.” He recalls the shooting of Game of Thrones: “They closed Dwejra at certain times of the day, but they were times in which we could still dive. They worked, and we worked too,” he says. That said, Azzopardi acknowledges that the film industry has its benefits for Malta. Although he is not convinced that people come to Malta because it has been used as a location in a film, he still admits to informing his clients whether a particular area has been used as a film location. “Film tourism cannot be ignored,” says Ino Bonello of White Coral Films, who has been working on big productions locally for decades, and is currently working on Clavius. “People also travel to countries even to see the locations where a film has been shot – to date people ask where Midnight Express was shot, and the same applies for Munich and many others.”
Behind the scenes on Saul: the journey to Damascus
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Bonello is one of the considerable number of Maltese people who depend on productions for their livelihood. While it is the major, big budget films or series that make a noise, the productions come in all shapes and sizes and plenty of smaller productions come to our shores and employ local film professionals. “Productions vary in size, but the large ones will even employ hundreds of people in various trades and services. Most are freelance professionals and would be employed on temporary contracts; nevertheless, most of them still depend on film projects for their living. Hence the importance for the authorities to keep a constant flow of filming projects coming to Malta,” Bonello says. “Generally speaking, Maltese people are engaged in almost every department from manual labourers to managerial positions, like location managers, art directors, production managers, assistant directors, casting directors, other assistant positions, coordinators,” says Pierre Ellul of Falkun Films.
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FILM
“Incidents may happen, but when true professionals are involved the risk is minimised, if not eliminated altogether”
Apart from the money that pays off their bills, both industry professionals agree that the ripple effects to the economy are not insignificant. “Overseas, various studies have shown that for every €1 spent directly spent in film, in general approximately €20 are generated indirectly. And this excludes the extra economic activity generated through increased tourism created by watching the finished film,” Ellul says. He points at a Danish film he co-produced here last year. “It is practically shot in Malta in its entirety and is effectively a 90-minute screen advert for Malta. It will be released in December 2014. I will hopefully be able to get access to some statistics to see what impact this film had on visitors coming to Malta from Denmark and Scandinavia next year. This is one very plausible spin-off effect from film,” Ellul says. “When a production comes to Malta one can say that very few sectors of the local economy would not be affected: hotels, transport, banks, private self-catering accommodation, bars and restaurants, construction materials suppliers, and many many more,” Bonello says. “Practically a film moves the economy actively as much as tourism, if not more.” Another effect that working on international productions can have is that it provides local film
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professionals with access to various working techniques and methods. “This will not necessarily translate into high-quality local work,” Ellul warns. “That depends on nurturing and developing local talent, writing and developing enticing and interesting stories, and also very importantly further financial investment into the local industry.” But does all this have to inconvenience the rest of us? “Most inconveniences can be avoided by hiring experienced professionals. Incidents may happen, but when true professionals are involved the risk is minimised, if not eliminated altogether,” Bonello says, pointing towards careful planning and adopting regulations as ways in which this can be minimised. “Inconvenience can be caused due to filming and this is a necessary evil if as a country we want to keep investing in this industry. However we always seem to lose sight of the common good and the greater good that comes out of these productions in terms of exposure to Malta and instead always focus on the inconvenience caused to the individuals or groups that are affected. I am not saying that individuals and groups cannot complain and should not complain. What I am saying is that we should always look at the wider benefits and not at single interests,” Ellul says.
PROMOTION
MALTA ON THE GAMING MAP CAN MALTA LAY CLAIM TO THE TITLE OF THE SILICON VALLEY OF REMOTE GAMING? AHEAD OF SIGMA – THE IGAMING SUMMIT – ORGANISERS EMAN PULIS AND DENNIS DYHR HANSEN EXPLAIN In just 15 years, Malta has established itself as a major player in the industry, partly thanks to its competitiveness in offering the type of financial services remote gaming companies seek. The basis of Malta’s success, says Eman Pulis, can be found in the quality of the human resources available locally. He points to recent European economic crisis, saying that of all southern European member states, Malta walked out of the crisis unscathed. In fact, the gaming industry currently employs 9,000 people, not counting the variety of ancillary services used by gaming companies. The effect this has on the Maltese economy is significant. Gaming contributes up to 12 per cent of the GDP, two-thirds of which is accounted for by remote gaming. The other third comes from landbased operations. Moreover, the iGaming industry injects €60 million annually to the national coffers through direct taxation. Ultimately, Malta has to be a leading force in finding innovative solutions to present and future challenges. Thanks to the local political consensus on the importance of the iGaming industry, Malta’s success story has far from reached a conclusion yet. WHAT DROVE YOU TO CREATE SIGMA, AND CAN YOU GIVE OUR READERS MORE INSIGHT INTO THE CONFERENCE AND ITS UNDERLINING CONTEXT?
The launch of SiGMA could not happen at a more pertinent moment for the iGaming industry. There is so much happening at both government and private levels. Preparations are underway to restructure the gaming industry, with the setting up of Gaming Malta, an organisation tasked exclusively with the mission of promoting Malta abroad as an iGaming hub and attract quality investment to the islands, having a separate, nonconflicting role to the LGA. This augurs well for the industry. We believe that Malta has become the natural host for gaming entrepreneurs, with so much to offer.
YOU SEEM TO HAVE LINED UP A STELLAR CAST OF KEYNOTE SPEAKERS; CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THESE CONFERENCE HEADLINERS?
The conferences will leave no stone unturned, with conference one focusing on remote gaming global regulation, the legal landscape, and more; and the second conference focused on remote gaming acquisition and will feature SEO professionals, latest e-marketing techniques, among others. We have secured some of the world`s best speakers, including the likes of Nick Nocton (Russel Green Law, UK), Simon Planzer (Planzer Law), Joseph Cuschieri (LGA), as well as directors and C-level executives from Amaya, NetEnt, EveryMatrix, LeoVegas and much more to share their insights in a number of presentations and panel discussions. THE REGISTRATION FEE IS INCREDIBLY AFFORDABLE GIVEN THE LINEUP OF SPEAKERS. STILL, WHY IS THE EVENT FREE FOR AFFILIATES?
We understand the importance for operators to network with affiliates on a regular basis. SiGMA is the affiliate’s perfect excuse to visit Malta this month and network with some of the best affiliates, operators, suppliers and c-level executives out there. To put it succinctly, more affiliates means happier operators. Therefore, affiliates come free! Simple. FINALLY WHAT DO YOU WANT DELEGATES TO TAKE AWAY FROM THE SIGMA SUMMIT?
We want delegates - from lawyers to accountants to c-level executives from the industry - to network. Today we have created a community of like-minded people where business ideas flourish. The excellent facilities, the existing network; Malta truly has all the makings of becoming a premium host to such a large summit. We’re looking forward to cut the proverbial ribbon this October and make sure that everyone walks out with better connections and business leads.
SiGMA will take place from October 30 to November 2. For more information visit www.maltaigamingsummit.com October 2014 | Sunday Circle 73
IRON
SPORTS
YOU WOULD EXPECT MICHELLE VELLA WOOD, THE FIRST MALTESE ON THE COVETED IRONMAN PODIUM AS WELL AS A MOTHER AND A PHD CANDIDATE, TO HAVE SUPERPOWERS. HERE, SHE TELLS DAVID SCHEMBRI THAT THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SUPERWOMAN Photography David Zammit
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W
hen Michelle Vella Wood was three months pregnant with her daughter Katie, she did what any pregnant woman would do – shell out €500 to register for her first Ironman event. A triathlete since the age of 24, a runner from the age of 10 and a cyclist from the age of 19, this was to be the most ambitious challenge she had ever faced – and she only had three months to train for it. “The Ironman wasn’t in my plans,” Michelle admits. “Before getting married, I was training
quite a bit, but in the run up to the wedding, you know, you slow down a bit to focus on the event, then my daughter came. I applied for Ironman because I wanted something big and expensive – a massive commitment which would get me back to training, because I knew I risked being consumed by the stress of being a parent and not go out to train again.” And if there’s a word to describe the Ironman event, “massive” is as apt as they come. Rather than just being a high-profile triathlon event – like the London or New York marathons are to
LADY SPORTS
the marathon discipline – the Ironman is a much longer triathlon than an Olympic-distance event, which starts with a 3.86 kilometre swim, goes on to a 180.25 kilometre cycle and then culminates in a full marathon run – 42.2 kilometres. Fortunately, Michelle has the right body for it: “I’m built naturally for endurance – I don’t have speed, but I can keep going forever.” Nature, in the case of the IronMan, needs nurture, and a lot of it at that – a tall order given that Katie– who is accompanying her mother for the interview at a café close to university– was born on January 1, with the race being held in Austria on July 3. “The first time I got back on a bike after I recovered from the birth, I was exhausted after 10 minutes. I was saying: ‘How on earth am I
going to get there?’” Michelle recounts. “But it was big enough for me to pick up the rhythm again, and start planning around it, and it became a way of life.” It is a way of life that has persisted for the past four years, and which appears to be mostly made up of eating, training, and sleeping: “When I’m in heavy training my routine is: wake up, eat, train, 5 or 6 a.m .start, eat, go out, train, eat, rest, eat, train, eat, sleep,” Michelle says. A bike ride, which in the event itself would be around six hours, would take longer during training because of food and toilet breaks, meaning that a session starting at 6 a.m. would only finish after 1 p.m. The kind of commitment training requires has meant that other things have had to make way for Michelle’s obsession, and with October 2014 | Sunday Circle 75
SPORTS
need to keep “Sometimes they call me ‘superwoman’“Ibecause up to date to I do a lot of things, but I feel uncomfortable with be able that. No man is an island, particularly when youto do my job, but set out to achieve something big” I’m really not a fashion guru or anything like that” her family and her academic work also in the picture, balancing it all is not a one-woman job. “Sometimes they call me ‘superwoman’ because I do a lot of things, but I feel uncomfortable with that. No man is an island, particularly when you set out to achieve something big. If you set a target to do something huge, you need help and support. My husband helps me a lot, he’s taken on a large share of the load and he’s been taking care of our daughter. The Department of Metamaterials, which I’m part of, has been very supportive. They knew I was training, and they did not push me to work on my PhD at the peak period of training,” Michelle says.
“Even our daughter – she knows that mummy has to train. This has always been part of her life. I’ve always found help – even my swim coach has taken care of my daughter as I was out swimming. I don’t know how I came across such a supportive bunch of people. I don’t know how I was so lucky.” Although triathlon is extremely demanding, physically, it is also very cerebral, requiring careful training – particularly for transitions – and level-headedness. “You can’t be susceptible to mood swings – the more even-keeled you are, the better for endurance events. It’s a thinking game. You can go there with lots of adrenaline and just go for it, but there are many bits and pieces that need attention. They say the hardest part is the training, not the race itself. It’s like Dory in Finding Nemo: ‘just keep swimming’. It’s all in the mind. You have 10 hours of not speaking to anyone –you have to go on and you’re alone with your thoughts, and you have to distinguish between the positive thoughts and the negative thoughts.” Another thing triathletes need to think about is food – “you’re not going to go on for 10 hours without eating,” says Michelle, who consumes around 4,000 calories in a race. “During the run, there’s nothing better than Coke and crisps. Every two kilometres, it’s a treat.”
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And the hard work has paid off. Last year, she set the fastest known national times in the sprint, Olympic and middle distances, ending the year being crowned Triathlete of the Year. At last August’s Kalmar Ironman in Sweden, Michelle became the first Maltese triathlete to climb onto the podium, placing third in the 30-34 age group, and having set the three fastest times for Maltese females in the event. “When I started the run, I was told I was fourth in my age group,” she recounts. Since the run is her forte, every time she overtook a woman she would glance back at her number to see whether it was someone from her age group. “When I finally overtook one in my category I burst into tears; I was picking up the pace as emotion was building up. Then you have to get to the finish line, and as I approached the finish line I started crying again,” she recalls. “It wasn’t just about the race, it was about the months before, all the sacrifice, because you see your daughter, and you remember that you hadn’t taken her to the beach as other people do with their children, you didn’t celebrate your friend’s birthday, all the sun, rain and wind during training. At that moment, you feel it’s worth it. For around five minutes, you say ‘never again’, but it soon passes.”
SPORTS
“It’s like Dory in Finding Nemo: ‘just keep swimming’. It’s all in the mind” Isn’t she bothered by the fact that the event is called “Ironman”? “It’s the facts that speak,” she replies. “Triathlon is the most equal sport that exists. Men and women get the same prize money, they cover the same distances, they get the same media exposure. You don’t get that in cycling, for example. Even in Malta – the Malta Triathlon Federation has always taken good care of us, and it’s given us the same opportunities. Equality is a basic tenet.” Next year, an Ironman is off the cards, as Michelle plans to regain her energy and pick up where she left in her family and academic life. “This year, my body showed that if I’m going to do another Ironman, I’m going to get injured.” In the longer term, turning pro is a possibility – having run only 10 minutes slower than the last pro she would go for it if she returns to her present level after the break. In any case, she’s got time. The oldest woman to finish the Ironman was 82. When does she plan on stopping? “When I’m fed up.”
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Sunday Circle | October 2014
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MUSIC
PLATO’S DREAM MACHINE HAVE GONE FROM BEING A FOLK ACT TO ONE OF MALTA’S MOST EXCITING ALTERNATIVE BANDS. MARK DEBONO PEEKS INTO THE INNER WORKINGS OF THE ENSEMBLE Photography Elisa Von Brockdorff
October 2014 | Sunday Circle 81
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MUSIC
Eventually, we discovered the direction of the album and the band, but it wasn’t an easy voyage, and we were very self-conscious at the outset.” Self-consciousness reminds me of the next question; the meaning behind Għera, the album’s title, which in Maltese translates to ‘nakedness’. Robert – who came up with the name after encountering the word while reading from the pulpit at a relative’s funeral – explains that the name does, in a way, reflect the latest album’s inception, in that the band needed to strip itself of its preconceptions and take a leap of faith. “In a lesser way,” he continues, “Għera also stands for a new start of sorts. All of us were born naked after all, and every start is so, bare and elemental.” Għera also stands for the self-consciousness one feels when taking such a leap of faith – or at least, that’s the impression I get when the band remark that before the launch of the album, they were jokingly taking bets between them about how far in the setlist they’d get before getting pelted with tomatoes. Tomatoes did not, in fact, invade the stage, and the album was very well received, so much so that on October 16, the band will be playing in London, their first overseas jaunt, at the Sofar Sounds Malta-London Exchange announced by the Valletta 2018 Foundation and Sofar Sounds. Asking about the best and worst things about being in a band here in Malta, the answers I receive reveal a band that is humble, self-aware, yet hard working and aware that this is the strongest incarnation of the band yet. The worst thing according to Justin is that audiences here are limited, so bands can’t play live as often as they’d like. “The live show is very important as it helps the band maintain itself financially, but 84
Sunday Circle |Otctober 2014
also forces a certain professionalism onto its members, however, with a limited audience, there are inherent limits. I think this is the worst thing about being a musician here.” As to the best, Mark supplies a very practical answer; logistics. “Friends of ours who have toured extensively, and overseas bands whom we know, all say that travel time even to the regularly scheduled rehearsal sessions is a factor. Here, I can cycle to band practice, so logistically, it’s far easier.” What about the future? What are the next steps here, and what is the end goal? “Recording another album certainly ranks high up in my books,” says Robert. “Well, this is our musical legacy,” replies Mark. “In a sense, the band’s music is our children, and before I leave the planet, I’d like to leave a little mark on it by way of our body of work.” At the end of the day though, something everyone unanimously agrees on is that this is fun, because the chemistry between the members is great and they’re all proud of the material they’ve written. So is this a rebirth for PDM, or simply a logical continuation of where the band has its roots? It’s anyone’s call, but while we ruminate on that, we at least have a wonderful locally written album in our own vernacular, and in a modern, contemporary style of music enjoyed by countless thousands around the world. If that knowledge alone is not the stuff of dreams, frankly I don’t know what is. Plato’s Dream Machine’s latest album Għera is available from the band members themselves. Contact Plato’s Dream Machine on Facebook to get your hands on a copy.
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FOOD
POST summer BITES
ALTHOUGH SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY OVER, THE WARMTH AND THE SPOILS OF THE PREVIOUS SEASON LINGER ON INTO THE MONTH OF OCTOBER. WITH THESE SIMPLE DISHES USING A MIX OF SEASONAL AND YEAR-LONG INGREDIENTS, CARL ZAHRA, CHEF PATRON OF THE FORK AND CORK IN RABAT SHOWS US WHAT CAN BE DONE WITH THE FRUITS OF THE COOLER, AUTUMN MONTHS Photography Jacob Sammut
Local tuna ceviche with cauliflower pickle
starter
The beauty of the ceviche as a starter is that it’s light, tasty, healthy and refreshing – a sure winner for fish lovers. The tuna is cooked by the citric acid in the lemon juice, so you don’t need any heat for this dish. This really brings out the flavour of the tuna, which is a beautiful fish that my fishmonger tells me will be still available at this time of year, however, you can use the same method with other fish, including salmon. Apart from the herbs suggested, any herb that goes with fish can work well with this dish.
ingredients
Garnish 20g of each: Local mustard lettuce Local rocket Mixed cress Coriander leaf Basil leaves Caper bellies Pickled gherkins Small pickled onions
method
(serves 4)
Pickle: Place all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Once the mixture is boiled, remove from heat, and let it cool down until lukewarm (it should take you around 15 minutes). In a separate pan, boil the cauliflower florets in boiling salted water for 90 seconds. Remove from the heat, and add the cauliflower florets, to the pickle mixtures and store in jars. After three days, the cauliflower pickle will be ready, and it should last up to a month. To add colour, I added one cooked beetroot to the mix.
Pickle One cauliflower head, divided into individual florets 250ml olive oil 250ml white vinegar 1L water 3 shallots (basal żgħir) 1 tbsp peppercorns 1 tbsp fennel seeds 1 tbsp coriander seeds pinch sugar, pinch salt
Marinade 50ml extra virgin olive oil 50ml lemon juice 2 tablespoons sea salt 400g fresh tuna, thinly sliced
Ceviche: The rest is simple: marinade the tuna in the olive oil, lemon juice and salt mixture, and within two minutes it would be ready to serve – garnish the mixed leaves and pickled cauliflowers, and enjoy! October 2014 | Sunday Circle 87
FOOD
Sea Urchin Pappardelle
method
ingredients
main course
(serves 4)
88
In this simple recipe, we try to let the ingredients speak for themselves. For this reason, do not skimp on the pasta – I use artisanal pasta from Italy which really makes a difference to the final product. I also use sea urchin tabs, which save you time 120g cherry tomatoes 20g white onion, finely chopped 20g crushed garlic (two cloves) 10g each of finely-chopped parsley, basil & mint 2 tabs sea urchin 250ml fish stock 20g sea salt 25ml olive oil 400g Pappardelle 50ml white wine 3 large tomatoes, chopped Fish stock: take approximately 500g of fish bones (wash them well), cover in water, add white wine and garlic, bring to a boil and simmer for twenty minutes, and turn off. Sauce: Heat a saucepan, add olive oil, then sweat garlic and onion until translucent (do not let them brown), add cherry tomatoes, cook them for three minutes, add the white wine, reduce by half over medium heat, then add fish stock, and reduce by half. In the meantime, cook pasta in boiling salted water. Remove pasta from boil a minute before it’s cooked through and toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s cooked through. Add two spoons of sea urchin, and the herbs, then add salt to taste. We left the salt until last so we let the herbs add the flavour first. Add the rest of the sea urchin when plating the pasta, so the aroma emerges better – the heat of the freshly-cooked pasta will cook it, so do not worry about that.
Sunday Circle | October 2014
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FOOD
Madagascar Vanilla Pannacotta with Peach Crumble Topping
dessert
This is a very simple recipe to make, it’s remarkably light and it’s always a winner – everyone loves pannacotta. As always in such a simple recipe, the quality of individual ingredients is crucial to the success of your dish. Although I will go to great lengths to find the best vanilla I can for my restaurant, fortunately supermarketbought vanilla pods are also very good, and will give your dessert a touch of class.
ingredients
(serves 4)
Pannacotta 750mL fresh milk 1L fresh cream (local is fine) 200g white sugar 1 Madagascar vanilla pod 6 gelatine leaves
method
Crumble 200g flour 250 sugar 200 unsalted butter 150g roasted almonds Pannacotta: Heat milk, cream and sugar and deseeded vanilla together – you can decide to also leave in the stalk with the mix. Bring to the boil, and remove from heat. Leave for a few minutes until it cools. Soak the gelatine leaves in cold water, and when it partially melts, add the gelatine to the milk mixture, stir well and pass it through a fine sieve. Pour the mixture in cups and refrigerate until it sets. Crumble: To make the crumble topping, rub butter into flour, until it resembles crumbs, rub in the sugar, add the chopped, roasted almonds in the mixture and bake in a preheated oven at 170 degrees for 15 minutes, or until it’s golden brown. I’ve used fresh chopped peaches which at this time year have a ripe, full taste – you can use whatever fruit is in season. Bon apetit!
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Sunday Circle | October 2014
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PROPERTY
VALUABLE EFFORTS WHEN TRYING TO ADD VALUE TO A PROPERTY, THERE ARE BASICS TO BE FOLLOWED AND THERE ARE THINGS TO BE AVOIDED
P
Words David Schembri
Photography courtesy of Stephanie Cassar
roperty is often considered to be a wise investment which can accrue value over the years – and at worst, you are still left with a place you can live in or redevelop. There are several smart ways in which you can allow your property to retain or accrue value, but there are also several ways in which you spend money on a property which you cannot get back.
good lighting in place – not just pretty light fixtures – breathes life into a space, and will also help a property retain its value. To a lesser extent, intelligently designed furniture to help maximise the space – particularly in smaller properties – will increase the amount of space available, and potentially increase the value of a property when it comes to be resold.
Stephanie Cassar is a freelance architect specialising in architectural design and property markets and valuation, having read for an MSc in the latter at the University of Reading. The first thing to note, she says, is that there is a difference between the market value of a property, which is driven by market supply and demand, and worth, which is more subjective. This is vital to keep in mind whenever selling or buying property. “What a property is worth to me is very different to what it might be worth to you,” she notes.
“Consider the ‘pillars’ of a property and invest in them, rather than other more subjective things such as decor. Yes, the place has to look inviting, be comfortable and an expression of its inhabitants, but what you might be investing in terms of capital into your (residential) property to make it ‘yours’, might end up making you a loss rather than a profit if you had to sell off in the future,” the architect notes.
Perhaps one of the best maxims to stick to when looking at improving the value of a property is to get the basics right. “Location, location, location” is a well-worn cliché in this industry, however there is truth to this maxim, particularly in Malta where space is at such a premium. There are other basics which have to be taken into account. Compliance with the relevant planning and sanitary laws, along with the permit, is one such basic. A house that has been built well is another one – a building that does not require any structural repairs will put the seller at an advantageous position. This ties in with maintenance – a well-maintained property, with fully functioning services, is more of a draw than one that requires extensive work. The layout and planning are also crucial – the more flexible a space is in accommodating its users, the better. Having
One thing to keep in mind is to always keep your projects – and your expectations of them – proportional to what kind of property you are working in. “For example, having a six-person Jacuzzi in a villa or high-end penthouse is one thing, as the property value can sustain this added luxury, but this will not necessarily translate in the same way if one had to put a six-person Jacuzzi in a twobedroom standard type maisonette. This is also because the markets for these properties are completely different,” Cassar says. “In my opinion, and experience has unfortunately proved me right, just by spending say €40,000 on the furnishings and finishing of a standard apartment in an average town location (say semi-finished at €130,000-€150,000) does not mean that it will make it worth €40,000 more when you sell it off furnished. It just does not work that way.” October 2014 | Sunday Circle 93
PROPERTY
“first-time buyers, especially, think they would never have to sell off the property, but reality dictates otherwise” That said, you can still introduce a touch of flair to your property without risking losing capital investment – art and key pieces of furniture which can be transferred to another property are two such examples. A room which might actually be worth skimping on is the bathroom – typically, people are likely to want to change these for hygienic reasons when moving into a new space. “From experience I always advise people to ‘keep it real’ and to ask whether the property can sustain all the money they might be putting into finishing or furnishing it,” Cassar says. The safest way to do so is to consult architects or designers who can help you work to a budget which is realistic in relation to the property. “You can still have your dream home without having to spend an arm and a leg, which you may never recuperate over time.” This can be tricky when renovating or restoring a property – often, there are many costs which may be hidden to the untrained eye, and the experience and expertise of professionals who can advise you on realistic costs for the project can prove to be invaluable, particularly if considering it as a long-term investment – architects are qualified to advise about property values, and getting one you feel comfortable working with at the earliest stage possible can prove to be a godsend. Keeping track of all costs is important to 94
Sunday Circle | October 2014
know where you stand financially – this includes costs associated with property negotiatoors. There are various entities who play a role in the process of purchasing a property, from property negotiators, to lending institutions to professionals. Always keep a record of all the associated expenses, including the commission due to property negotiators, fees related to professional services (such as notaries and architects), insurances, capital gains tax and loan interest rates. Often, it is good to be sober about purchasing property, and make decisions with your head and not with your heart. “Very often first-time buyers, especially, think they would never have to sell off the property, but reality dictates otherwise; either because of separations, or else because people want to upgrade or downgrade their property depending on various life scenarios,” the real estate expert says. These situations can be compounded if the property cannot be sold at the price the seller is expecting, or, worse still, if a loss is made over the capital spent. “It is important to keep in mind that purchasing a home is in itself an investment, as otherwise one would have to rent. Look at the long term, rather than being shortsighted and try to make wise and informed choices.”
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LIFESTYLE
BUYING A BOAT MALTA IS SURROUNDED BY BEAUTIFUL SEA, AND THE BEST WAY TO EXPLORE IT IS BY BOAT. HERE, WE LOOK AT WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN BUYING YOUR FIRST BOAT Words David Schembri
L
iving on a small island means that you are surrounded by sea, and one of the better ways to flee the madness of the mainland is to get on a boat and sail off. To do that, however, you will need a boat, if you want to do it regularly, you will want to buy one. “If you’ve tried boating out and you’re going into buying a boat already knowing you like it, then get the biggest boat you can afford,” says Matthew Farrugia, a mechanical engineer and the after-sales manager at Mediterranean Yacht Sales. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, a larger boat gives you more options: you can go abroad more easily, and the more space you have, the more comfortable you are, and the more time you can spend on it. Secondly, you won’t need to upgrade more often, whereas if you start with a 25-footer, you may want to sell it off and upgrade to a 35-footer, and so on. If, however, this is your first foray into the world of yachting, you might want to start off smaller. Renting or chartering a boat to get a feel for it will give you a good indication of whether it is for you, and also helps you choose between a motorboat or a sailing boat. You would also need to see whether you’re going to use a boat enough to justify the price of the upkeep. “You may want to consider something that is relatively cheap and easy to sell on – perhaps an older yacht in good condition, with a lower price but that is essentially still a good boat,” Farrugia says.
However, if you know what you’re going in for, there is a lot to be said in favour of getting a new boat. “Apart from having the pride and joy of being the owner of a brand new boat, you’re also getting the latest model with the latest design, styling and equipment. Boats nowadays are full of electronics, and if you’re buying a 10-year old boat you’re already looking at replacing its electronics,” Farrugia says. “You also get the support of a dealer and the manufacturer, and that’s why it’s important to buy a boat from a reputable manufacturer. There are people who will buy a boat at a rock bottom price, but then they’ll find that there is no support.” This is an important thing to take into account. “All production boats are built by human beings, and you will always have some teething problems. More reputable brands have less teething problems, and have the backup staff and support to solve them quickly and efficiently,” Farrugia says. One of the best ways to choose a new boat is to go to a boat show. “Looking at a screen or through a brochure does not give you an idea of the ergonomics and feel of a boat. By going to a boat show you have all the different brands and models, and can hop onto the different boats and see what the difference between them is.” However, buying a boat second-hand needn’t be a horror story – although it is imperative to be wary of false economy. First of all, it is imperative to have the boat assessed by a qualified surveyor who will able to suss out any problems. “A boat is a complicated piece of machinery. There are a lot of things that can go wrong – some of which can be serious and some minor.
October 2014 | Sunday Circle 97
LIFESTYLE
“Just like with cars, there are yachts which are worth restoring, and yachts which are not” of finding out,” Farrugia says. Buying from overseas would also require you to pay for your surveyor’s time and travel expenses – and until you’ve lifted the boat out of the water (another expense), and have it inspected, you still wouldn’t know whether to go through with the deal. One of the advantages of going through a local broker is that they would know the history of their boats. Furthermore, the yachting community in Malta is very small, and people would be able to tell you whether a boat has been taken care of or otherwise. Furthermore, a broker or a dealership would have the advantage of having all the contacts you might need should you need to carry out any repairs –mechanics, riggers, electronic technicians and the like – whereas if you go into it on your own, you have a steeper and potentially more expensive learning curve. Even though in other spheres, restoration can be a cost-effective option, not so in the yachting industry. “Just like with cars, there are yachts which are worth restoring, and yachts which are not. Certain classic models will look absolutely beautiful, but here you’re looking at a niche area of yachting. If you have a 1950s or 1960s classic wooden hull yacht it will cost a fortune to restore, but when it is finished it will be a gem. It’s definitely not on a budget. Wood is absolutely beautiful, but very demanding in terms of maintenance,” Farrugia says.
“If you’re buying for the first time, you need someone experienced and trained to inspect it with you. They can tell you whether there have been any collisions or damages, or whether it has been maintained, and these are things which only someone with experience or training can notice.” The first port of call for people looking to buy a boat is often online. “It’s very easy to go up to Italy or somewhere else and see a boat. The biggest problem with this is you don’t know its history, and you have no way
One thing to keep in mind is that there are brands which hold their value more than others. Certain manufacturers raise the price of their new models yearly so as not to undercut present owners who want to sell their boat, whereas other brands decrease their prices, making it more cost-effective for prospective owners to buy new, and requiring owners to slash their prices by more if they want to sell. When you are buying a boat, you are also buying a way of life. You can get away from land for a few hours and relax or enjoy the wind and the sea. “It also becomes an extension of your house,” Farrugia says. “We have clients who will go down to the boat, relax in the cabin while docked, read a good book and open a bottle of wine – even if it’s pouring outside. They use the boat as their relaxing space.”
The 8th edition of the Valletta Boat Show is taking place between November 6 and 9 and will play host to some of the industry’s most prestigious brands, as well as related services and products, at the Royal Malta Yacht Club in Ta’ Xbiex. For the first time in its history, the show will also feature a fashion show. The Valletta Boat Show is organised by Circle Events. http://is.gd/boatshow
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Sunday Circle | October 2014
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PROPERTY’S GOING NORTH IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING A MOVE TO A LARGER HOME OR WOULD LIKE ADVICE ON WHERE TO BUY A VILLA OR BUNGALOW, FRANK SALT REAL ESTATE’S NORTHERN REGIONAL MANAGER, PATRICK XUEREB AND THE COMPANY’S MELLIEĦA AND ST PAUL’S BAY BRANCHES, HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO HELP YOU FIND EXACTLY WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR Patrick Xuereb is well-known for his unique insight into this specialised area of Malta’s property market as well as a solid experience in dealing with second-time buyers and those on the hunt for larger homes, such as villas with pools. Patrick actually joined the real estate sector from the hospitality industry, where he held roles including head chef and hotel manager. “I consider food to be an art,” he says with a smile “but, sadly, I found it was too often driven by quantity over quality. That’s when I decided to try something different and was drawn to the property business. It quickly became the perfect fit.” Since joining Frank Salt Real Estate, Patrick has developed expertise in the northern part of Malta, with a deep insight on property matters centered around Mellieħa, St Paul’s Bay and the surrounding areas, which are also the base offices of the company in the area. “Mellieħa has a lot to offer buyers. It’s got a diversity and natural beauty unique anywhere on the island, and stunning views of the sea, the countryside and a typical village setting. All of this makes it very popular with foreign buyers keen to experiences the nuances of Malta, as well as locals who know how much it has to offer them too, especially if they are looking for a villa or bungalow.” Patrick explains that Santa Maria Estate, just beyond the Mellieħa village core, is scheduled exclusively for the development of villas and bungalows. “There are some incredible properties located here, most with unbelievable unobstructed views out to sea. It is this area, and the beautiful bay of Għadira, that have made it a market-leading area for high-end property buyers.” Patrick has also focused his expertise on understanding the needs of second-time buyers, who often require quite a lot more from their new property than those purchasing one for the first time. Aside from Mellieħa, the most popular areas for this include San Pawl tat-Tarġa, Madliena and Birguma. “First-time buyers may need more help and guidance, whereas second time buyers are generally more informed, and have a clearer idea, on what they want from their future home. My team and I are very well experienced in dealing with all types of customers, be it local or foreign; first-time, second-time or investment buyers. In this respect, we always tackle our clients on an individual basis and according to their needs and requirements. Beyond that, Frank Salt Real Estate has also tailored different packages to
meet different requirements. When buying and selling through the agency, first-time buyers currently benefit from over €900 in cash vouchers as well free Home Insurance for the first year, whilst second-time buyers enjoy similar furnishing vouchers, as well as cash refunds. These are only two of the incentives that the company offers to add value to their clients. Meanwhile, Patrick notes that second time buyers usually need to sell their current property to help finance their new property, and Frank Salt Real Estate can offer them key advice on how best to market it and capitalise on their investment. There are also numerous opportunities for rental investments in this area and which promise excellent returns. “When it comes to buying and selling we offer professional advice on pricing, marketing and also appoint professional photographers to get good shots of the property. This way we give special attention to owners who engage us for this reason, in addition to offering marketing opportunities through our large database and steady flow of clients.” Meanwhile, the demand for villas is gaining momentum again, and more and more people are seeking properties that give them the space to entertain. “There’s also an increasing number of people who want to move away from city life after a day’s work, and relax in an open space and peaceful surroundings. The northern areas of Malta are ideal for this, as well as so much more. And nobody is better fitted to assist than Frank Salt Real Estate and its northern region branches.” www.franksalt.com.mt October 2014 | Sunday Circle 101
together for Caritas every transaction helps Use your BOV Card or BOV Mobile Pay from the 28 September to 31 October 2014 and BOV will be making a donation to Caritas Malta every time you make a payment. Your success is our goal.
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PA PA RA ZZI
ROYAL EDITION
PRINCE WILLIAM BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER HOSTS GARDEN PARTY IN HONOUR OF HRH THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE
British High Commissioner Rob Luke and his wife Louise hosted a garden party at their residence in San Pawl tat-Targa on Sunday September 21 in honour of the visit of His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge. Representing Her Majesty The Queen, The Duke visited Malta on September 20 and 21 at the invitation of the Government of Malta for Malta’s 50th anniversary independence celebrations. Guests included President Marie-Louise Coleiro
Preca and Mr Preca, and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Mrs Muscat. The wider list of invitees included those representing local good causes. In a short address, Mr Luke took the opportunity to thank the Government and people of Malta “for the warmth of the welcome His Royal Highness received, reflective of the instinctive spirit of friendship and affinity between our countries”. The party was The Duke of Cambridge’s final engagement before he returned to the UK.
Prince William meets Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his wife MIchelle
Foreign Minister George Vella together with Mrs Vella and Deputy British High Commissioner Jon Knight
Veronica Stivala, Jennifer Wong, Christine MIcallef and Simon Quinn
David Schembri, Monique Chambers, Marie Benoit & Colin Fitz
Prince William with Nathan and Deirdre Farrugia
1. Lina Treble, Doriette Gauci Sciortino, Rita Demicoli & Grace Borg.
4. Fiona Galea Debono, Renee Micallef Decesare, Noelene Miggiani & Marisa Grima
3. Shasha Fabri, Mick Laus, Norbert, Angie Laus, Duane Laus & Thomas Fenech
2. Edwin Gauci, Doriette Gauci Sciortino & Dr. Martin Fenech
5. Nicole Farrugia, Sandro Rizzo & Claire Galea
6. Miriam Christine Borg, Marc Felice & Michelle Farrugia
PAPARAZZI • 1-2: Opening of the “WE3” art exhibition at Razzett tal Markiz Mallia Tabone in Mosta on September 13 • 3: Launch of Norbert’s ‘Find a Way’ video at a Don Berto Restaurant on September 17 • 4-6: Jimmy Choo launch event by Sarto on September 18 7, Lucianne Cassar, Claire Abela, Claire Borg & Esmeralda Law
8. Samantha Camilleri, Alison Bartolo, Margaret Sultana, Jeanette Grech, Corin Portelli & Lilly Buttigieg
• 7-10: Shiseido Ultimune Launch held at the Westin Dragonara on September 24 • 11-12: Creative Matchmaking Event by The Creative Partners network of companies • 13-14: Ladies Fund Raising event in aid of Angela House at Medasia Playa on September 10 * For inclusion in Circle Paparazzi contact Renee Micallef Decesare on renee@networkpublications.com.mt
9. Terry Attard, Esmeralda Law, Chiara George, Odette Mangion & Paula Borg
11. Trudy Kerr, Yulia Tyukova & Mark Bugeja
10. Esmeralda Law, Chiara George, Lyndsey Zammit & Jessica Inglott
12. Julie McKenzie, Shaun Ridings, Vincezo Marchi, Paul Gostelow & Josette Sultana
1, Karina Spiteri, Rachel Ellul Mercer, Alexia Hatout, Paula Licari & Alexia Bonnici
14. Francesca Muscat, Ilona Vella Bencini, Nadine Busuttil, Michelle Dimech, Cristina Galea & Philippa Farrugia Randon
START A HABIT START SAVING TODAY The MSV Savings Plans have been designed to help you start saving for your future. It doesn’t matter what you want to save for - your home, a holiday, a new car or your retirement. The plans are flexible, tax efficient and offer certain investment guarantees together with valuable optional extra benefits.
It’s never too early to start saving for your future! For more information about our range of MSV Savings Plans you may contact MSV Life p.l.c., on freephone 8007 2220, visit our website at www.msvlife.com, contact any of our Tied Insurance Intermediaries, your insurance broker or you may visit any branch of Bank of Valletta or APS Bank.
Registered Address: MSV Life p.l.c., Level 7, The Mall, Floriana. FRN1470 Telephone: (+356) 2590 9000 Freephone: 8007 2220 E-Mail: info@msvlife.com Website: www.msvlife.com MSV Life p.l.c. is authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority to carry on long term business under the Insurance Business Act 1998. Bank of Valletta p.l.c. and APS Bank are enrolled as Tied Insurance Intermediaries of MSV Life p.l.c. COM270412/1
Dentures
HEALTH
GOODBYE TO
DR JEAN PAUL DEMAJO EXPLAINS HOW TO SHIFT FROM REMOVABLE DENTURES TO FIXED IMPLANTED TEETH
For how many years have you worn a denture? How often have you thought of switching to fixed teeth? Have you been consulted on your treatment options?
CASE STUDY: A middle-aged man who has been wearing a removable denture with five teeth on it for a few years. He previously had an upper 5-tooth fixed bridge supported by three of his upper natural anterior teeth. These had to be extracted leaving him with the removable denture. He was told he couldn’t have implants due to a lack of bone. His complaints were: 1. Mobility of denture on eating 2. Loss of taste due to coverage of his palate with his denture plate 3. Inconvenience of having to remove his denture everyday 4. Psychologically demeaning to have a denture at such a young age. INVESTIGATIONS: • Intra/Extra oral examination: External facial profile including soft tissue support. Often lips and cheeks collapse inwards due to lack of adequate support from loss of teeth or due to incorrectly placed artificial teeth. • Cone beam CT scan: This 3D scan provides all information necessary to measure the remaining bone and to plan for implant therapy. • Psychological analysis: It is important to
know what the patient wishes to achieve and whether the proposed treatment plan will suit all of the patients’ concerns. Is the patient ready to go through this treatment plan? • Medical and Dental health: Good general health together with good oral health is an important prerequisite to implant treatment. • DSD-Digital Smile Design: Using sophisticated programming, a mockup of the potential aesthetic result may be constructed in the laboratory and temporarily placed in the mouth for the patient to see and approve.
Pre-implant treatment with denture
TREATMENT PLAN 1. Following the above investigations bone grafting was performed to restore the bone volume to the original height, width and depth prior to tooth loss. This was done in two stages; initial bone grafting followed by implant placement post graft healing. Bone grafting was performed using a titanium mesh to contain the bone and allow its healing together with its integration with the patient’s own remaining bone.
Implants in place
2. 3-4months after grafting, the titanium mesh was removed and the 3 implants were placed to sustain the future fixed implant prosthesis. 3. 4 months post-implantation, the implants were exposed and the impression for the final fixed bridge was taken. 4. In-lab construction of the bridge was executed and finalized until it was fixed onto the healed implants.
Although this treatment plan may sound very complex and lengthy, it is the price one pays to be comfortable and restored back to normality. Nobody knows what patients with dentures go through on a daily basis except them. As professionals, we are bound to advise them on what is best for them, not for us – and in this case, the pros far exceed the cons. It is mind over matter. Ask your Dentist!
Post-Implant treatment
Dr Jean Paul Demajo, Dental and Implant Surgeon, trained in London and works in private practice in Malta.
October 2014 | Sunday Circle 107
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WHERE LIGHT IS LIFE. PONSOMBY STREET, MOSTA MST4032 2143 2571 INFO@VCT.COM.MT WWW.VCT.COM.MT MON-FRI 08.00-18.00 THU 08.00-20.00 SAT 09.00-12.30
108 Sunday Circle | October 2014
Look no further.... This month’s agenda for you .... and your pets! Family Dog Breeds Weekend in collaboration with Royal Canin and Piscopo Gardens,Burmarrad. During the Family Dog Breeds event you can enjoy and benefit from the following : -Treasure hunts for your kids -Free gifts - Face Painting -Photo competition - Special offers and bargains - Educational discussions and insight about Dog Breeds - Followed by Malta’s first : Doggy Bowling !
- Talks will be held on Sunday 12th October as follows : 10.30 am - Large Active Dog Breeds 14:00 pm - Brachycephalic Dog Breeds 15.30 om - Small Lap Dog Breeds.
Book in advance for lectures and Doggy Bowling to avoid disappointment call on 21414753/ or send an email to mail@borg-cardona.com or Facebook/ Royal Canin Malta and automatically get a FREE shopping bag by Royal Canin.
This Month - Royal Canin Malta is giving you a free can of wet pate for your dog. Simply : 1 ) Look for the voucher attached to the bag. 2) Fill up the voucher and claim your free can from your pet shop. 3) Your pet shop will return the voucher to Royal Canin Malta. 4) Royal Canin Malta will send you a new voucher for an other free can when you buy 3 cans from your pet shop. ( 3+1). HURRY UP , OFFER VALID UNTIL STOCK LAST.
This offer is available in leading Pet Shops and Garden Centres. Ask your pet shop for more details or call on 21414753 or send an email to mail@borg-cardona.com
Kippy: The Pet Finder.
Thanks to the use of GPS and Dead Reckoning technologies, Kippy is able to locate the position of your pets and to transmit this information to the dedicated app you can download on your smartphone. Available at Borg Cardona & Co. Ltd and leading pet shops and garden centres.
NEVER LOSE YOUR PETS!
Collect points when you
buy Royal Canin and exchange them with your favourite
selected gifts. More info on 21414753/ Facebook - Royal Canin Malta or send an email to mail@borg-cardona.com
EDUCATION FOR LIFE PROMOTION
WHETHER FOR YOUR JOB OR FOR PLEASURE, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW TO LEARN
You may be past school age, but you’re never too old to learn something new You might want to enrol into a professional qualification or degree to widen your job prospects, or else you might want to take up a skill you have always wanted to learn. But education can also be its own end: learning broadens the mind and helps you understand the world around you as well as yourself. Many institutions locally, including the ones on these page, can
help you on the path to professional and personal improvement, with internationally-accredited qualifications that ensure that your hard work does not go unrecognised. Furthermore, you do not need to stop working in order to take up a new skill or qualification, and there are many courses available which allow you to keep up with your personal and professional life while pursuing further education. It may be hard work – but it’s well worth the reward.
THE FOUNDATION FOR HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT (FHRD) ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE FHRD has built a strong and steady reputation in Malta as the leading body for human resources practitioners. The Foundation advocates the continuous management and development of people through its continuous professional development (CPD) training programmes and its distance learning programmes offered by the University of Leicester. FHRD has a strong interest in professional growth. It strongly believes that the credibility of professions is based fundamentally on the commitment of individual members to continuing self-improvement and development. FHRD is the local representative for the University of Leicester’s Centre for Labour Market Studies. Over the past 15 years, this has provided Maltese students the opportunity to immerse themselves into their chosen area of specialisation and become leading practitioners in their field. In 2012 University of Leicester’s School of Management’s courses were also introduced in order to provide a wider range of courses. Our academic courses now include MBAs and Masters programmes in a number of management functions. Applicants wishing to 110 Sunday Circle | October 2014
pursue an MSc in Finance by the University of Leicester can also benefit from a tax credit under the Get Qualified scheme offered by Malta Enterprise, enabling them to recover part of the costs incurred. All training programmes offered are recognised by the Malta Qualifications Council within the Malta Qualifications Framework.
FOUNDATION FOR HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT 5, CLOCK TOWER BUILDING, TIGNE’ POINT, SLIEMA TP01
T: 2137 4919 | E: dl@fhrd.org / training@fhrd.org | www.fhrd.org
RIGHT
study, train, learn and grow in your career with etc Esf 2.201 Enhancing Employabilty Through Training
The Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) has embarked on a new training project entitled Enhancing Employability Through Training. All training programmes are free of charge Training programmes are organized at ETC premises in Hal Far as well as at other authorised institutions Further details about our Training Programmes may be found on www.etc.gov.mt ETC offers accredited courses, which lead up to MQF level 4 certification There are a wide range of training programmes that the ETC will be offering for the years 2014/15 Training Subsidy Schemes are also offered , which support accredited training at any MQF level, including academic studies at Diploma level and upwards
ICT | Trades | Hospitality and Customer service | Health, Safety and Security Care Workers | Entrepreneurships | Language and Numeracy Skills | Trainer Training Employability Skills| Technical | Welding | Clerical | Accounting | Renewable Energy Training Services Division, Hal-Far BBG 3000, Malta, Tel: (+356) 222 01 610/607 | Email: training.etc@gov.mt Gozo ETC Office, Sir Arturo Mercieca Street, Victoria VCT 2024, Gozo, Tel: (+356) 2220 1950
www.etc.gov.mt
The ETC is licensed by the NCFHE as a Further & Higher Education Institution (Licence No. S5) Operational Programme II – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life Project part-financed by the European Union European Social Fund (ESF) Co-financing rate: 85% EU Funds; 15% National Funds Investing in your future
October 2014 | Sunday Circle 000
“OUR CORE VALUES ARE QUALITY AND VALUE FOR MONEY IN FRIENDLY, FAMILYORIENTATED STORES”
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